The Vulnerabilities of Windows 7 – What You Need to Know
Failure to upgrade
from Windows 7 can leave your network completely vulnerable to attacks, thus creating a massive wave of expensive issues for your business to deal with.
Windows 7 will officially become a pastime beginning on January 14th, 2020. On this date, Microsoft will discontinue any improvements for this venerable operating system. Once this happens, the only way to make sure your networks are completely safe is to upgrade to Windows 10.
Windows Operating System Vulnerabilities
When it comes to network security, it’s best to take a proactive approach. If you choose to be reactive, then be prepared to deal with the consequences that come along with your actions (or lack thereof). By electing not to upgrade from Windows 7 by its end of life, you are leaving the door open for cyber criminals to invade your network.
Operating system updates are one of the ways your network responds to internet threats such as:
- Malware Viruses
- Adware Scams
- Ransomware Invasions
- Zero-Day Attacks
- Crypto-Jacking
- Computer Worms
- Trojan Horses
- Phishing Attacks
- IoT Attacks
- Malicious Bots
What Can We Expect Next?
Today, Windows 7 currently attracts more than 300 different security risks, but that number is continuously rising. In the next year, expect to see a dramatic climb in the total amount of security risks that Windows 7 platforms generate. What’s most concerning is that many of these threats will create costly and in some cases irreversible damage. Small and medium businesses have limited capital and a network that is not secure is a preventable problem that can save your business hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Since technology is evolving so quickly, threats are only becoming more sophisticated and malicious. This means that the threat landscape is getting larger by the second. By 2020, companies that continue to operate with Windows 7 will have a much harder time meeting business objectives. Instead, they’ll likely be spending a lot of time and money tending to disruptions.
On the other side of things, those moving away from Windows 7 will quickly gain the edge. We expect to see more companies operating with Windows 10, the latest OS platform by Microsoft. This will help businesses perform more efficiently, thus generating more profit in the process.
How to Prepare For Windows 7 End Of Service
- Audit your infrastructure: VTG can take a good look at your IT system and note any abnormal issues. This allows us to take note of any hardware or software that needs to be updated or replaced.
- Adopt or extend: If you’re not ready to let go of your legacy system, then you can sign up for extended support to keep it running for a little longer. The other option is to give your infrastructure a complete makeover and adopt more robust IT support. It would be in your best interest to update your IT system with tools that come equipped with more mainstream support from Microsoft Windows.
- Define project guidelines: Once you decide what to do with your IT, it’s time to develop a game plan. Collaborate with an experienced IT specialist at Virtual Technologies Group to do this. Establish a timeline for your project and come to an agreement with services that align with your budget.
- Add security updates: If you choose to support Windows 7 platforms, then make sure that you provide administrators with enough security control. It’s best to keep these platforms isolated from the rest of your network.
- Create a backup plan: You can never be too prepared, and the best way to make sure you are ready is to have a disaster recovery and data backup strategy. This gives your network an extra cushion of support, ensuring that you always have a firm grip on your most important information. VTG is a partner that can help you craft the perfect disaster recovery and backup plan.
Now is the perfect time to support your business with the latest version of windows operating software – Windows 10. The experts at Virtual Technologies Group can make this easy for you. Contact us today to schedule your next technology consultation.